endurnýttir
Endurnýttir is an Icelandic term used to describe goods and materials that have been used previously and are brought back into use through reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, or upcycling. The concept is a key element of the circular economy, emphasizing the extension of product lifetimes to reduce resource extraction, waste generation, and environmental impact. In Icelandic discourse, endurnýttir can refer both to the items themselves (endurnýttir hlutir) and to the practices that keep them in circulation (endurnýttingu).
Distinguished from recycling, which typically involves breaking materials down to recover raw materials, endurnýttir focuses on
Examples of endurnýttir include refurbished electronics, second-hand furniture, repurposed containers, and clothing sold through vintage or
Benefits of promoting endurnýttir include reduced waste, lower energy use and emissions compared with producing new
See also: Circular economy, Reuse, Repair, Upcycling, Endurvinnsla (recycling).